Latest developments in the solar car

Nick Butler, who is a regular writer in the Financial Times on energy matters, writes an interesting article on the recent developments in producing a solar powered car. Butler believes that technology, rather than negotiations or enforced sacrifices, is the way to achieve a sustainable energy system and that view comes out quite clear in … Continue reading Latest developments in the solar car →

Will there be running costs for producing electricity?

Last week, EiD reported on new mittens to help keep us warm. Now we have shoes being developed in Germany that will produce electricity as we walk – or run. Paul Rincon writes for the BBC news website on the latest developments. Smart shoe devices generate power from walking German researchers have built shoe-sized … Continue reading Will there be running costs for producing electricity? →

Nanotechnology should help us keep warm

Steven Gelis writes an interesting article in Canada’s National Post about a mitten made of a new nanowire-embedded cloth used in testing. Researchers say the breathable and durable cloth can save 1,000 kilowatt hours per person every year. We are all looking for this mitten to come to market. Wearable nanowire-embedded cloth lets you … Continue reading Nanotechnology should help us keep warm →

Efficiency gains in new solar panels

Laura Close writes in the Australia Business Review about a technological breakthrough that has significantly increased the efficiency of solar panels. This has to be a welcome development. Solar Panel Breakthrough Could Mean Huge Energy Savings Green energy needs all the help and support it can get in Australia right now. Scientists in Sydney … Continue reading Efficiency gains in new solar panels →

Developments in batteries for electric cars

Pilita Clark wrote recently in the Financial Times about a new lithium battery that many feel will be a game changer. One can only hope. New battery aims to transform electric cars A new battery that promises to solve two of the biggest grumbles about electric cars – high prices and low driving ranges … Continue reading Developments in batteries for electric cars →

Working on a better battery

Lucas Mearian writes on the Computerworld website about recent developments on power storage systems for solar energy. The national power grid could someday become the backup to custom solar systems for businesses and homes How Tesla will help bring renewable energy to your business or home Tesla Motors and other manufacturers have set their … Continue reading Working on a better battery →

Why marine renewable energy developments have not taken off as expected

While renewable energy is definitely in the news regularly, we have heard less about those technologies related to streams and waves. Joshua Hill writes a good article for CleanTechnica about why the technologies have not taken off. Marine Renewable Energy Technology Taking Longer Than Hoped Tidal stream and wave power technologies are taking longer … Continue reading Why marine renewable energy developments have not taken off as expected →

Views on government’s role in technology innovation

Governments have traditionally played a big role in technology development. Yet, as Paul Mason writes in The Guardian, many governments today are reluctant or philosophically opposed to the state playing a major role. One of his final comments is excellent: If the proponents of modern laissez-faire economics could point to a single economy where technology … Continue reading Views on government’s role in technology innovation →

Energy Star products and class-action legal suits

Consumers in the US are raising their concerns when they feel that products do not meet the standards under Energy Star. Matthew L. Wald writes in the New York Times about one major manufacturer that is trying to prevent class-action lawsuits. Could something like this happen in Europe? Whirlpool Wants Congress to Ban Class-Action … Continue reading Energy Star products and class-action legal suits →

Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards

James Dyson is one of Europe’s world-recognised innovators and is known for his iconic vacuum cleaner. He writes in the Financial Times about his concerns that the EU is essentially promoting mediocrity and not better performance, fewer materials and less energy. It would be good to get the views of others. James Dyson: ‘The EU … Continue reading Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards →